I was adopted in the fourth grade, and animals have been a source of comfort and safety for me for as long as I can remember. I grew up wanting to save just about everything — dogs and cats, of course, but also birds, mice, raccoons… really anything that needed help.

 

I've always had a different kind of connection with animals. Being adopted can come with this internal struggle of Where do I fit? Who will accept me? Animals always did.

 

Years later, that connection is what eventually brought me to rescue. I started fostering the day after Christmas with Journey Home Rescue Alliance — and from there, everything changed.

 

I adopted Magnolia and her brother Bear, and when it came time to name this rescue, there really wasn’t another choice. Magnolia became our namesake and the little face in our logo.

 

Today, I have four dogs – Boone, Tillie, Magnolia and Bear – and a husband who has been putting up with me since high school. This December makes 13 years together, and he is one of my biggest supporters and an absolute rock for this rescue.

 

I originally went to nursing school and completed my credits for my LPN before realizing human medicine wasn't where I belonged. I went back to nannying and now care for the most amazing child, who is also going to be adopted.

 

Looking back, I think there’s a pretty clear thread through all of it: knowing how much it matters to have somewhere you belong.